Hyped-up Honda: All about the PH-spec 2023 Civic Type R

Honda once again kept the Civic Type R name alive in the country by introducing to the market the ‘FL5’ Honda Civic Type R — it replaces the FK8 version, and is considered to be the most powerful model in the Type R’s 25-year history of hot hatchbacks.

As Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI)’s press literature states, “Honda’s latest halo model embodies the brand’s challenging spirit with its latest innovations that are sure to deliver a thrilling driving experience.” So, how exactly does the 2023 Honda Civic Type R live up to its billing as a hyped-up Honda?

To answer that question, let’s look into the 2023 Honda Civic Type R’s local pricing, performance figures, and other features.

2023 Honda Civic Type R Philippines price, colors

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R is available in its sole 2.0 VTEC Turbo Honda Sensing MT variant, and retails for P3.880-million. It’s hardly loose change, but exclusivity and brand legacy come at a price.

For gearheads lucky enough to snag this hot hatch, the only issue they will be encountering will be choosing what color — classic Championship White or striking Racing Blue Pearl — their CTR comes in.

2023 Honda Civic Type R exterior styling

The new 2023 Honda Civic Type R’s exterior is also more aerodynamically efficient, generating more downforce and enhancing high speed stability. This design was influenced by aerodynamic development team members of the HRD Sakura Super GT squad.

A new, more muscular body, which was designed in Japan, is 0.8 inches longer, 0.5 inches lower, and 0.6 inches wider. It also features wide fenders that flare out over wider tracks, lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, and specially made Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires that are wider (+20mm). With their unique "reverse rim" design, the new wheels increase the stability of the tire contact patch when under load.

Out back, the car’s lower stance is accentuated by wider rear doors exclusive to Type R and a reshaped rear bumper that reveals its updated signature three round exhaust outlets. A redesigned rear spoiler with aluminum stanchions and a new rear diffuser intensify downforce and reduce drag.

2023 Honda Civic Type R engine, transmission

An even more potent variation of Honda's award-winning K20C1 engine is housed beneath its new vented aluminum bonnet. A reworked turbocharger, increased air intake flow rate, and a new, more effective exhaust system with a straight-through design and an active exhaust valve boost horsepower, torque, and response.

With enhancements of 9 horsepower and 20 Nm, the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R now generates 315hp at 6,500 rpm and 420Nm of torque between 2,600 and 4,000 rpm. With a specific output of 157.8 horsepower per liter, an increase from the previous generation's 153.3, the Civic Type R is one of the most potent vehicles in its class per liter, Honda claimed.

The six-speed manual transmission in the 2023 Civic Type R has been substantially enhanced. In order to retain stability on corner entry, a lighter flywheel and a redesigned rev-match mechanism guarantee flawlessly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the gears.

For a secure and incredibly precise gear change, the high-strength gearbox has additionally added a high-rigidity lever and optimized shift gate layout. Standard limited-slip differentials of the helical kind efficiently transfer engine power to the road.

2023 Honda Civic Type R handling, drive modes

Honda engineers developed the car’s chassis extensively in Japan and put it through rigorous testing in racetracks in Japan, North America, and Europe. This included testing on the notorious Nurburgring in Germany, the most difficult racetrack in the world.

The hot hatchback has slightly wider front and rear tracks (+1.0 inches in the front and +0.75 inches in the back). These modifications enhance steering feel and straight-line stability in conjunction with a dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension that have been fine-tuned. The Type R's two-piece front brake rotors have great braking performance and less unsprung weight.

The 2023 Civic Type R’s engine, steering, suspension, and engine sound may all be changed between four pre-set performance settings that can be switched seamlessly by drivers. The driving experience may now be tailored using a new "Individual Model" option in addition to Comfort, Sport, and R+ Mode.

2023 Honda Civic Type R’s Honda LogR feature

Exclusive to Type R, a new enhanced version of the Honda LogR Performance Datalogger combines the Type R's onboard computer and sensors. This helps drivers monitor and record a variety of performance parameters in real time when driving on the track or other closed courses, helping to improve driving skills.

Key features of the Honda LogR Performance Datalogger are as follows:

• Performance Monitor - Provides vehicle information to the driver such as 3D Display, Tire Friction Circle, cornering G-forces, status of oil and coolant temperatures, oil pressure, and more.
• Auto Score - Shows how the car behaves and helps you improve your driving skills. Autoscore measures your driving performance using key driving parameters.
• Data Log - Analyzes driving data to help you understand your driving habits. It also scores your track performance, provides lap time and Heat Map.

2023 Honda Civic Type R interior styling

The cockpit of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R was created to support challenging driving experiences. Performance-focused details and features, such as the Type R's iconic red seats, carpet, and trim, a redesigned aluminum shift knob, and a serialized Type R plate on the dash, heighten the exhilaration of driving.

The new sport seat allows the driver to sit lower than before while still having better visibility thanks to thinner pillars, a relocated side mirror, and a lower hood. New lightweight front sports seats that are firmly bolstered and with suede-effect fabric provide great support and comfort throughout extended trips as well as on the racetrack.

2023 Honda Civic Type R interior features

Inside, the Civic Type R's cabin has been thoughtfully designed with technology that puts the driver first. This includes a new nine-inch Color Touchscreen, the largest touchscreen ever in a Type R, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Additionally standard are a Bose Centerpoint premium sound system that was specifically built for the interior of the 11th-generation Civic and wireless charging.

2023 Honda Civic Type R safety

Aside from being equipped with Honda Sensing, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R also comes with a multi-view rear camera, walk-away auto lock, driver attention monitor, airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold (ABH), among others.

The superior safety features of the latest Civic Type R reflect Honda’s global goal of achieving ‘Safety for Everyone’ sharing the road. By 2050, the brand envisions zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda vehicles, and this shall be done through the continuous reinforcement of safety technologies on its vehicles.

As it sports a raft of mechanical and technological improvements, the FL5 Civic Type R proves that it's the latest and the greatest. Now, wonder where we could let loose its 315 compact horses…

Photos from Honda and Roy Robles